Hip Pain in Oak Lawn IL

Hip pain can be caused by problems in the lower back that result in referred pain to the hip. This pain may be due to compressed or damaged nerves or simply because the back pain is causing a subtle abnormality in gait which strains the muscles, tendons or ligaments of the hip joint. In most cases of hip pain for adults over the age of 60, osteoarthritis of the hip joint is usually the culprit behind hip pain.

Osteoarthritis of the hip joint can be caused by previous trauma, dislocation or diseases of the joint. Genetics plays a role in osteoarthritis of the hip joint, but so do environmental factors such as poor nutrition, lack of exercise and obesity.

The first signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis may be discomfort and stiffness in the groin, buttock or thigh. This occurs most often in the morning. The pain tends to gradually increase and radiates from the hip, through the groin and often down the thigh extending to the knee. Sometimes, the pain in the knee is so menacing that the hip joint is completely overlooked as being the actual culprit. Cold weather and activity usually exacerbates the pain.

As osteoarthritis of the hip joint progresses, mobility becomes more restricted and muscle strength is diminished. Walking may become increasingly difficult and the patient may begin to limp. Eventually, the pain is not even relieved by resting the hip joint.

Chiropractic care for osteoarthritis of the hip joint includes a full exam that includes the back, knee, ankle and foot. It’s important to remember that all of these areas may be affected by osteoarthritis of the hip joint. From here, your chiropractic team can offer you a customized treatment plan that will slow the progression of osteoarthritis and improve the structural strength and integrity of the affected joints. The goals are pain relief, healing, slowing the progression and improving the performance an mobility of all affected areas including the hip, back, knee, ankle and foot.

Chiropractic care now may help you avoid costly and painful surgery down the road. If you’ve already had a hip replacement, chiropractic care can also help speed your recovery. Call your local Oak Lawn, IL chiropractor today for more information on how our team of specialists can assist you with hip pain and more!